Paddy Jackson Set To Play Ireland With French Club Next Season

This is big news.

Paddy Jackson begins his return to rugby with new club Perpignan but it was confirmed on Wednesday that Jackson will return to play in Ireland next season.

His French side have been drawn in the same group as Connacht for the 2018/19 Challenge Cup.

The draw took place on Wednesday afternoon and sees Jackson's side in the same group as Sale Sharks - who Jackson was rumoured to have signed for and French side Bordeaux Begles

The challenge Cup is European club rugby's second tier competition, with the first-tier being the newly named Heineken Champions Cup.

Jackson has not played rugby for a club or his country in 2018 at all and had his contract terminated by Ulster rugby in April

Perpignan are in the top flight of French Rugby after being promoted and the club's director has high hopes for Jackson in France:

"Paddy Jackson, in the tradition of the 10 Irish, knows how to put his individual qualities at the service of the collective; confirmed goal scorer, talented lineman, Paddy has to bring to the team his experience of the international level," the Director said upon Jackson's arrival.

Fixtures have not been announced for the clash yet so it's not sure when the tie between Jackson's side and Connacht will take place.